Fire guts old Baguio theater in downtown Session Road

BAGUIO CITY— A massive fire gutted one of Baguio’s former cinemas on Monday evening, prompting fire officials to cut off power and divert traffic along downtown Baguio.

Firefighters have not yet determined what caused the 6:30 p.m. blaze that struck the former Pines Theater, which was renamed Pines Arcade and filled with garments stalls, gadget shops, and a food court.

Several witnesses said the fire grew so high it could be seen 500 meters away at Burnham Park. The burning structure is close to several other buildings, including a department store and a bank.

The blaze has not yet been contained, as of this posting.

Established in the 1930s, the Pines Theater survived the carpet bombing of Baguio when allied forces liberated the country at the end of World War II. /kga